Book Location: Montecito, California - Heather Slade

When I initially wrote the scene in The Truth where Mercer takes Quinn to Montecito, California, it was an homage to a place I love very much that has recently been devastated by floods and mudslides.

My memories of the town are some of my best. One of my closest friends was married in the gardens at San Ysidro Ranch, and my husband and I have visited many, many times for other special occasions.

When our oldest son was about eighteen months old, we stayed in an inn in town. We laugh whenever we think of it saying, “it’s the only time we’ve ever been kicked out of a hotel.” We weren’t actually asked to leave, however, we did get a call from the front desk at eight in the morning saying the people in the room below us wanted to know if we were doing construction. We realized what they were complaining about was our son toddling around the room, which obviously sounded much louder than we realized.

Anyway, Montecito, which mean “little mountain” in Spanish, is a beautiful, little community southeast of Santa Barbara, with lots of quaint restaurants and shops. I always try to write my favorites into my books and this is one example:

“I can’t believe how much I remember about this place. I haven’t been back here for almost fourteen years. Oh, wow!” she exclaimed when he pulled up in front of Jeannine’s Bake Shop. “They have the best apple pancakes.”

I highly recommend both the apple pancakes and the lobster benedict should you visit.

While the Montecito area is home to great restaurants and shopping, its natural assets are the real stars of the show. We love to lace up our hiking boots and head outdoors to the hills, where on a clear day there are epic views from the city of Santa Barbara to the Channel Islands and beyond. There are over fifteen different trails with easy access and difficulty ranging from a nature walk to a challenging climb.

Another scene in The Truth is set on Montecito’s coastline. It is one of the most stunning in this part of California and stretches from Fernald’s Point, past the calm waters of Miramar Beach and renowned surf break at Hammonds Point (where Mercer takes Quinn and tells her stories about surfing there), to sparkling Butterfly Beach—the perfect spot to take a picnic supper and soak in the sunset.

The Truth - Butler Ranch Book 5

Head of a private security firm, Mercer Bryant promised his partner, Kade Butler, that he'd secretly protect Quinn Sullivan at any cost. As a former CIA operative, Mercer knows his way around intense and stealthy operations. Trained in combat, he can get out of any situation—and into any woman’s bed. But when he starts to feel something more for the innocent and stunning Quinn, he can’t stay away.

Shipped off to a boarding school at a young age, the independent and feisty Quinn doesn't need a man to watch over her. But when she finds herself in danger, the only place she feels safe is the arms of the irresistible and rugged Marine.

Hell bent on protecting her, Mercer takes on the vengeful Russians who are responsible for his partner's disappearance. With peril imminent and time running out, can Mercer save Quinn before the truth destroys their chance at a future together?

THE SERIES

My books are filled with things that bring me joy: music, wine, skiing, families, artists, and cowboys. Not always in that order. I’m an Amazon best-selling author, and a PAN member of Romance Writers of America. I speak, teach, blog, am an executive sommelier, and all-around entrepreneur. I grew up an east coast girl, and then spent half my life on the west coast. Now my husband, our two boys, and I happily call Colorado home

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